The Voice of Podiatrists

Serving Over 14,502 Podiatrists Daily

July 23, 2013 #4,829 Publisher-Barry Block, DPM, JD

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OPEIU Backs Legislation Supporting Podiatric Physicians

The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) has applauded Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for introducing critical bipartisan legislation that would increase access to podiatric care and save billions of dollars in the process. The Helping Ensure Life- and Limb-Saving Access to Podiatric Physicians (HELLPP) Act, S.1318, would identify podiatrists as physicians under Title XIX (the Medicaid Provision) of the Social Security Act, making it easier for low-income individuals to get necessary foot care.

"Coverage of podiatry under Medicaid would provide easier access to care for patients while saving the government money," said Michael Goodwin, International President of the (OPEIU). "The most cost-effective healthcare system is one that helps people stay healthy in the first place and S.1318 would go a long way to improving access to necessary care for millions of Americans," Goodwin added. Representing thousands of podiatrists across the country, OPEIU has joined forces with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to convince Congress to allow Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) to be reimbursed equally under Medicaid as they are under Medicare.

Source: Sacramento Bee [7/21/13]

4 Join Board of FL Podiatric Medicine

Drs. Joseph H. Strickland, Mark S. Block, Melvin B. Price and James W. Pearce have been appointed to the Board of Podiatric Medicine according to a news release from the governor's office. Strickland, of Clearwater and a self-employed podiatrist, succeeds Dennis Frisch for a term ending Oct. 31, 2015. Block, of Boca Raton and a self-employed podiatrist, succeeds Beth Pearce for a term ending Oct. 31, 2014.

(L-R) Drs. Joseph Strickland, Mark Block, and Melvin Price

Price, of Bradenton and a podiatric physician and chief of medicine and surgery for Manatee County Rural Health Services Inc., succeeds Sherwood Weisman for a term ending Oct. 31, 2014. Pearce, of Tallahassee and an accountant with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, succeeds Saundra Inge for a term ending Oct. 31, 2015. The appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

PA Podiatrist, 92 to Emcee Senior Follies

It’s quite fitting that the theme of next month’s Mercer County Senior Follies is “Age is Just a Number.” That’s especially the case for the Follies’ oldest member. Dr. Leonard Pleban, 92, still maintains his podiatry practice in Sharon and will serve as the show’s master of ceremonies, a position that the World War II veteran says he grew into shortly after the war ended.

Dr. Leonard Pleban

“I was a staff sergeant in occupied Germany, and I was assigned to start a playhouse for the enlisted men,” he recalled. “We turned this old abandoned brewery into the playhouse. I became the master of ceremonies and I really liked doing it,” said Pleban who turns 93 Tuesday. “My job is to make people happy because laughter is a healing thing,” said Pleban who has been a practicing podiatrist for 62 years

Source: Jordan Cohen, Youngstown Vindicator [7/21/13]

CA Podiatrist Seeks More Name Recognition for Congressional Rematch

More than a year remains until voters will return to the polls to elect a member of Congress to represent the Santa Clarita Valley, but the two men who duked it out in last year’s race already appear to be taking steps toward a rematch. Both incumbent Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, and last year’s Democratic challenger, Simi Valley podiatrist Dr. Lee Rogers, have filed statements of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission to run in California’s 25th Congressional District, records show.    

Dr. Lee Rogers

Rogers says he definitely plans to run again in 2014. “I filed the paperwork to run so it’s not an exploratory committee or anything like that,” Rogers said Friday. “I am fully committed to running.” Rogers also said he will work in the coming months to continue to have a presence throughout the district. “It is kind of a building process; you have to generate that name recognition,” he said.

Source: Luke Money, Santa Clarita Valley Signal [7/21/13]

Missed Follow-ups a Potent Trigger of Lawsuits

Medical liability experts say missed appointments and failures to follow up pose some of the greatest legal risks for physicians. The legal dangers appear to be on the rise as team-based care grows and patients are handed off to a wider scope of health professionals. In a survey of 723 patient care sites by medical liability insurer The Doctors Company, 53% of respondents said referrals and scheduling follow-up appointments were their top risk-management problems.

The study, posted online in May, surveyed a range of practice environments in 2011 from small medical practices to large integrated delivery systems, hospitals, and outpatient facilities. The survey found the most frequent risk-management issues were failure to contact patients after missed appointments and a lack of tracking to ensure appropriate follow-up care was completed. The survey also showed that medical record documentation was a risk-management problem in 47% of the offices surveyed.

Source: Alicia Gallegos, Amednews [7/15/13]

Query: ICD-10 Preparation Courses

What are people doing to prepare for ICD-10? Can anyone suggest courses to send me and my biller to prepare for ICS-10?

Philip Graham, DPM, NY, NY

Query: Releasing Medical Records

If we have a patient who has been turned over to the collection agency, what are our requirements for releasing the medical records to the patient?

Tammy Roark, Office Manager, Office of Scot Zindel, DPM, Lynchburg, VA

Responses: Under HIPAA and most (if not all) state laws, patients are always entitled to copies of their medical records. So whether or not a patient owes you money, you MUST release these records or face severe penalties, including professional misconduct charges. You have the option of taking the patient to small claims court to recover any owed monies.

Barry H. Block, DPM, JD, Forest Hills, NY

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RE: Healthboards and Podiatry
From: Name Withheld (TX)

Healthboards is one of the largest consumer healthcare forums in the U.S. They are discussion boards covering a broad range of health concerns including one for "Foot Problems."

A patient anticipating surgery recently made me aware of the discussions concerning her foot problem on the Foot Problems Board on Healthboards. She presented with questions concerning the proposed procedure based on what she feels is gross misinformation about her condition posted on the boards and misrepresentations made by...

Editor's Note: This extended-length letter can be read here.

RE: Multi-Size STS Casting Supplies? (Suzanne Phillips, DPM)
From: Richard Stess, DPM

The STS Company of Mill Valley, CA  that developed and manufactures a variety of casting socks for the podiatric community will provide custom boxes for practitioners. The company frequently provides boxes of casting socks of different sizes as long as each box contains 10 casting socks of either the ankle, mid-leg, or Bermuda socks, or 10 pairs of slipper socks.  The STS casting socks can be obtained from any of the major distributors or directly from the STS Company (800-787-9097).

Richard Stess, DPM, President & Co founder STS Company, rs.sts@att.net

RE: Podiatric Billing Conferences (Shelly Figg)
From: Burton J. Katzen, DPM

The TUSPM  Alumni Association has just what you are looking for. Please attend our 5th annual Foot and Ankle Seminar on September 21-22 at the school. We will have an entire day of coding on Saturday, featuring nationally known coding experts Dr. David Freedman and Dr. Harry Goldsmith. This will include present coding concepts and preparation for ICD10. The second day of the seminar will feature Dr. Allen Jacobs, noted author and lecturer. Look for a registration form in  PM Magazine or PM News or call 856 261-0744. Office staff and coders are welcome.

Burton J. Katzen, DPM, TUSPM Alumni Board, DrburtonK@aol.com

RE: OH Podiatrist Co-Sponsors HELLPP ACT
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM

Each member of the APMA should have received an e-mail yesterday asking everyone to write their Representatives and Senators in Washington, asking them to not only support the House and Senate bills, but to also be co-sponsors. You can sign on to the AMPA's Website. Click "APMA Working for You", then click "Federal Advocacy." This takes you to a page listing your elected reps (APMA knows who they are because they have our home addresses.). This take only minutes. If you know other members of the U.S. House or Senate, you can pull them up on the site and send them a letter.

We have been waiting for our chance to change the law; now it's time to act. I already have. Now it's your turn.

Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com

RE: Unmatched Residency Placements Currently Stand at 86
Unmatched Podiatry Graduate

I am one of the original 104 students who did not get a residency position. I was an average student who did well on his externships and never imagined to be in such a position today. This has made me come to the conclusion that obtaining a residency position includes 20% skills, 50% connection, and 30% luck. Since March 20th, my life has been a disaster. I have not been able to celebrate my graduation and any of my achievements, and I have started taking anti-depressant medications and have lost motivation to do anything.

Initially, the faculty at my school were really supportive and were giving me hope; however, since the day I stepped out of school, I have not even...

Editor's note: This extended-length letter can be read here.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE - DIOWAVE 15 WATT, PORTABLE 980 LASER

This is a used multiple function laser, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, joint pain. nerve pain, post surgical, warts, toenail  problems, two-year plus warranty, MSRP: $25,000. E mail Dr. Zuckerman at footcare@comcast.net. for questions and pricing.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

Excellent opportunity for a full time podiatrist to join busy group practice! Surgery, wound care, sports medicine. Affiliated with residency program. Personable and great communication skills a must! Competitive salary, bonus, benefits package. Send CV to footdoc22@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CENTRAL FLORIDA

Associate wanted for well-established practice in central Florida. Experienced support staff, malpractice coverage and health insurance provided. Excellent opportunity for a promising future, this position will provide for the possibility of partnership in the future. To apply please go to www.yourcareerinpodiatry.com

ASSOCIATE PODIATRIST WANTED: CHICAGO

4 Days per Week Chicago Practice - will perform all phases of podiatric medicine Accredited JCAHO Surgical Suite. Benefits will cover Malpractice and Health Insurance. Six Figure Base Salary. Inquiries:  email your CV to Dr. J. B. Jenkins - yanagandb@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY REGION, NY

Unique opportunity for the right person! We’re a high-volume, diversified, multi-office group practice utilizing state-of-the-art modalities. Great growth for a personable and motivated DPM. Please forward cover letter with CV to healthyfeet4ever@yahoo.com.

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND

Associate position for podiatry office on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Certified ambulatory surgery center on-site.  Will consider preceptor. Please fax letter and CV to 410-749-6807

ASSOCIATE POSITION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Very busy, two location group practice seeking a full-time, self motivated and hard working podiatry associate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered. Please email CV to: footcare4all@aol.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - HUDSON VALLEY NY

Part time position in busy practice leading to f/t. Looking for well trained minimum PSR-12 with great technique and people skills for part time leading to f/t position in fast growing practice. Competitive salary with huge growth potential. Send cover letter, CV and work experience to: PodassociateNY@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND

Seeking highly motivated, ethical, enthusiastic associate to join successful, well-established practice located in close proximity to Maryland and Delaware beaches. Certified/qualified by ABPS with rear foot experience preferred. The practice incorporates surgery, wound care, sports medicine and general podiatry. Fully equipped office with diagnostic ultrasound, fluoroscopy, vascular testing, radio frequency ablation, six treatment rooms and three satellite offices. Main office has accredited ambulatory surgery center. This opportunity has excellent salary potential with benefits for the right individual.  Will consider preceptor. Send CV to dpmkthomas@gmail.com 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - MARYLAND, DC, PA

A podiatrist is needed for the Baltimore, Washington, Pennsylvania area. Partner for the corporation. Surgery center, emergency room call and a hospital location. All areas of podiatry. Established practice. Salary and commission. Fax resume 410-857-4227 or email at butler@qis.net

ASSOCIATE WANTED - NEW YORK

Well-trained experienced surgical podiatrist for busy Bronx and White Plaines offices. Associate working for partnership, if desired. Send Resume to bronxpodiatry@yahoo.com

ASSOCIATE POSITION - NORTHWEST IOWA

A well-established, Midwest multi-physician practice with strong hospital affiliations seeking FT podiatrist. Applicant should be well trained surgical physician, completed a 12/24 month residency, & board eligible. Practice offers high surgical volume, advanced wound care and good mix of general podiatry. Competitive salary, excellent benefits. Fax resume: 712-258-9977. 

ASSOCIATE POSITION - CALIFORNIA

Associate wanted for multi-office, multi-doctor practice. Full Time, Self-motivated, highly skilled team player with surgical, wound care and palliative skills. Offices in Northern California Coast, CA License necessary, salary negotiable with possibility of partnership in future. Send CV and letter to: srfctysc@gmail.com

BUSINESS FOR SALE: TOE-FOOD CHOCOLATES & CANDY

Toe-Food Chocolates & Candy (www.toefood.com) is an established candy company specializing in creative foot-themed chocolates that has supported the podiatric community for over 30 years. Ideal opportunity for family member to run in house. Serious inquiries only please. Email: MwolpaFootDoc@yahoo.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - DEBARY, FLORIDA 

Turn-key operation; 1,200 sq. ft. Suite, $56,000 for immediate sale due to illness in family; everything included; aggressive young podiatrist can triple gross income; www.DeBaryFamilyFootCare.com ; Email sweisman@cfl.rr.com for details.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - SOUTHWEST FL

Multilocation multidoctor practice in beautiful Southwest Florida . Practice has grossed over seven figures consistently and currently shows 10-15% growth in revenues with increase in new patients and patient visits. EHR is already implemented with meaningful use criteria met. Practice has been professionally evaluated by Provider Resources. Only serious inquiries to this email address. This is a great practice in Paradise and a good opportunity for the right doctor or doctors. Email to: practiceforsaleswfla@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - PHILADELPHIA

Established podiatry practice in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. Fully equipped office with 3 treatment rooms. Currently part-time with great growth potential to expand to full-time. Contact dgvc88a@gmail.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH DAKOTA

Turn-key opportunity. Established non-surgical practice for sale in booming economy of North Dakota. Staff knowledgeable  compliant with EHR/Meaningful use. Solo practitioner grossing over $400,000 annually, 3.5 days/week. Hospital/OR privileges available. Local bank familiar with practice and willing to work with financing. Interested, contact Worhart@live.com.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - MISSION VIEJO, CA

Relocating to Tulsa. Great opportunity to buy my office. Located at Mission Hospital. Gross income 2012 was $548,000. Approximately 1300 sq ft with 3 treatment rooms, digital x-ray and fully computerized. Will consider all offers. Call David at 949-702-1052 or david@missionviejofootcare.com

PM News Classified Ads Reach over 14 ,500 DPMs and Students

Whether you have used equipment to sell or our offering an associate position, PM News classified ads are the fastest, most-effective way of reaching over 14,000 DPMs. Write to: bblock@podiatrym.com or call (718) 897-9700 for details. Weekly ad rates start as low as $115 for a 50-word ad. THIS OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO BUSINESSES PROVIDING PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. Note: For commercial or display ads contact David Kagan at (800) 284-5451

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